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and returned it, and began digging in the path with his cane

"But what I want to know is, who the devil is this ain "I tell you, it's no

advertising dodge She's been abducted The hound!"

Courtlandt ceased boring into the earth "The story says that she refused

to explain this blond chap's presence in her room What do you make of

that?"

"Perhaps you think the felloas her press-agent?" was the retort

"Lord, no! But it proves that she knew him, that she did not want the

police to find him At least, not at that moment Who's the Italian?"

suddenly

"I can vouch for hi,

even if he is hot-headed at times Count hie for soht It's as plain as the nose on

your face"

"How long have you known her?" asked Courtlandt presently

"About two years She's the gem of the whole lot Gentle, kindly,

untouched by flattery Why, you must have seen and heard her!"

"I have" Courtlandt stared into the hole he had dug "Voice like an

angel's, with a face like Bellini's donna; and Irish all over But for all

that, you will find that her disappearance will turn out to be a diva's

whiers"